Insulin resistance and not steatosis is associated with modifications in oxidative stress markers in chronic hepatitis C, non-3 genotype.

BACKGROUND

Modifications of oxidative stress are reported in hepatitis C. The relationship between insulin resistance (IR), steatosis and oxidative stress is not established.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty-seven HCV-RNA patients were assessed by determination of biochemical, metabolic and viral features, HOMA-IR and morphological alterations. In the 52-non-3 genotypes sub-group and 35 healthy individuals, thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), total glutathione (total-GSH), vitamins C and E, lycopene, beta-carotene, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase and superoxide dismutase were determined.

RESULTS

In non-3 genotype patients, steatosis was associated with higher values of BMI, HOMA-IR and triglycerides. In the 52-HCV sub-group, values of TBARS, GPx and total-GSH differ from the control group. Despite these, differences could not be observed according to the presence of steatosis, patients with IR presented significant differences regarding total-GSH (p=0.019), beta-carotene (p=0.006), lycopene (p=0.005) and GPx (p=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

In non-3 genotype HCV carries, IR, and not steatosis, is associated with modifications in serum levels of oxidative stress.